A drone view shows trucks crossing into the US via the Zaragoza-Ysleta border bridge in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on July 12, after President Donald Trump announced imposing a 30% tariff on imported goods from the EU and Mexico, starting August 1, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez)

Trump declared the latest tariffs in separate letters to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that were posted on his Truth Social media site on Saturday.

The EU and Mexico, both among the largest US trading partners, responded by calling the tariffs unfair and disruptive while pledging to continue to negotiate with the US for a broader trade deal before the deadline. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was sure an agreement can be reached.  

Trump's letter to the EU included a demand that Europe drop its own tariffs. "The European Union will allow complete, open market access to the US, with no tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the large trade deficit," he wrote.

In return, the US will consider adjusting its tariff levels based on the bilateral relationship.

Von der Leyen said while the EU will continue to work towards a trade agreement, it "will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required."

In a letter to President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump cited the imposition of a 30% tariff as a measure to curb the flow of fentanyl. "Mexico has been helping me secure the border, but, what Mexico has done, is not enough. Mexico still has not stopped the cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a narco-trafficking playground," Trump wrote. But he also said that he would consider adjusting the tariff rate if Mexico addresses the US’s concerns.

Trump sent similar letters to 23 other trading partners this week, setting blanket tariff rates ranging from 20% up to 50%, as well as a 50% tariff on copper.